On Vikings final drive, refs gave Lions two seconds back

The Detroit News points out that Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell is the unsung hero for Sunday’s win by the Lions over the Minnesota Vikings. During the Vikings’ go-ahead drive, Caldwell reportedly argued with referees to get two seconds back on the clock.

The news wrote:

“After the Vikings converted a fourth-and-4 from the Lions 11-yard line with an eight-yard pass from Sam Bradford to Stefon Diggs, Caldwell called a timeout. But as the clock often does in the NFL, a couple seconds ticked off after the whistle. During the stoppage of play, Caldwell pleaded his case, and the officials decided to add two seconds back on. It was never noted during the broadcast.”

Of course, Matt Prater’s incredible 58-yard field goal was kicked with two seconds left.

The situation could have been avoided had Zimmer run the clock down more at the goal line. Instead, the Vikings scored with 23 seconds left, allowing Detroit to complete back-to-back passes to set up the tying field goal.